Antibody – VX15 Oncology

Vaccinex has discovered and developed an immuno-modulating, anti-semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) antibody that regulates infiltration of immune cells into the tumor microenvironment. The schematic below highlights our observations surrounding changes in immune cell composition in the tumor microenvironment induced by treatment with anti-SEMA4D antibody (VX15/2503). Specifically, VX15/2503 induces a change in the balance of M1 and M2 macrophage toward a pro-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic M1 response. In parallel, there is an increase in recruitment and activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and an increase in B cell infiltration. The effect of treatment in animal models of disease is a reduction in tumor cell burden and in some cases complete and durable tumor rejection. Furthermore, our preclinical data suggests that inhibition of SEMA4D synergizes with other immunomodulatory therapies to impart greater inhibition of tumor growth and more complete/durable responses.

Clinical Trials:

VX15/2503 - The humanized anti-SEMA4D antibody, VX15/2503, has successfully completed a Phase clinical I trial, in which the highest doses were well tolerated in adult patients with advanced solid tumors. In keeping with the immune mechanism described above, a subset of patients with elevated immune cells relative to other cancer patients had especially prolonged progression free survival. Please refer to the National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov Web site listed below for additional information.